I implemented the TLD-15 drag washer upgrade to the carbon fiber 6-25 drag. My results were less than positive. Allen asked me to post my results here so here goes. First let me say that I think the problem I am having may be the reel itself. I am not sure that the drag was working properly to begin with. The step-by-step procedures that Allan gives are pretty simple and straightforward.
Here’s the procedure....
1. crank the lever back to free (this is important!), remove the preset knob (#9), the cam (#10 and 11) and the drag lever itself (#12).
No problems here
2. remove the three quadrant screws (#19,20 and 21) and the gold quadrant.
No problems
3. remove the 5 side plate screws (#24) and set the side plate (#65) aside.
OK here
4. remove the spool, unscrew the cooling shield (#186) by turning clockwise (it has
reverse threads), remove the drag plate (#216, 31, 67 and 199).
OK here
5. remove the white canvas drag washer. brush a moderate amount of shimano drag grease onto the penn #6-25 carbon fiber washer, rub in with fingers, wipe off the excess off of the pressure plate side with a clean cloth, leave excess grease on the spool side, and install.
Here very minor problem that’s probably only me. It took all of 3
seconds to figure it out. Allan used the term
drag plate
and
pressure plate interchangeably.
(Again, Allen ask me to be detailed)
6. reverse steps #1-4 above.
No problem
7. set drag to 10#'s at strike with 30# mono, check for smooth cranking and good free spool.
Problem here. The drag setting will vary by turning the
preset knob but won’t get enough drag as compared to another tld
15. Also the drag doesn’t change much throughout the range of
the drag lever from strike to full drag. Wondering if it was the
grease or whatever, I removed the side plate and drag pressure
plate again. I cleaned out the drag washer area with alcohol and
re-installed the canvas washer. There was no change in the reel
drag performance. I am highly suspect of the reel’s drag
performance before doing any of the changes. I’m not sure it was
operating right to begin with. I want to try the upgrade with my
other reel but a bit hesitant. I’m going to wait to see what the
problem is with this one is first.
8. Pat yourself on the back and have a beer.
Dang it, didn’t get to this part.
I asked Allan if he would take a look at the reel as the business where I purchased it from went out of business. He said ok but I gotta post my results here on the THT.
Allan, I’ll be shipping the reel soon with a 6-25 drag washer or two.
TLD-15 Drag Washer Upgrade--My results 
